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Anchored by Hope

Authentic + Biblical Encouragement

I Am Anchored By Hope: About Me

Hey there, Sister! I am so excited that you found my little piece of the internet and I hope you will stay awhile! Let’s get acquainted then, shall we?

Im a passionate and dedicated wife, mom of three, Christian writer and licensed cosmetologist. As a lifestyle blogger, I enjoy exploring all aspects of life to help others find joy in their journey.

My story began in a small town outside Chicago, IL, where I grew up living with my parents and younger brother until I was ten and my parents divorced. From an early age, I was always creating and enjoyed the arts.

As I got older, I found myself continuously drawn to journalism and beauty; so in 2008 I graduated from Midwest College of Cosmetology (at Lincoln College-Normal) with my Cosmetology License and Associates Degree. Since then, my knowledge of beauty has allowed me to work as both a stylist and make-up artist for television personalities and sports celebrities, as well as many brides on their special day. 

Alongside of my beauty career, I found solace in writing and theology. I majored in Biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute, which allowed me to better articulate the transforming power of God’s grace by penning articles and devotionals.

I started this blog back in 2017 when my son was only a few month old. Since then, my writings have been published by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Daily Magazine, Thought Catalog, ELITE Daily, and various blogs.

When I’m not writing or teaching art at our local Homeschool Co-Op, I enjoy spending time with my husband, fluffy samoyed, and three children outdoors and adventuring. I love exploring nature and creating beautiful designs for my Etsy Shop. I also love reading up on theology and historical fiction mysteries.

Though I may be busy running from one activity to another throughout the weekdays, one thing remains constant: I Am Anchored By Hope. Ultimately, I hope this place can be a little nook in the Internet where rebel hearts would encounter Jesus and discover just how fearfully and wonderfully they were made.  


For more intimate details, you can follow me on Instagram – @iamanchoredbyhope! Make sure to mention my blog community ! And check out the FREEBIES section, where you can download/print tons of free wallpaper, scripture cards, and more! All you need to do is fill out the form and I will send you the secret password 😉

Now that you know a little more about me, I’d love to get to know YOU!!

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Meet Nicole

Meet Nicole

Hi, I’m Nicole, and Anchored by Hope is my story of transformation and grace. Before giving my life to Jesus at 24, I lived a life far from where I am today—a mom, homemaker, and beauty artist Anchored by Hope. With a background in Biblical Studies and a passion for helping women find beauty—both inside and out—I’m here to share how God’s Word can transform our everyday lives. Join me as I explore the messy, beautiful, and faith-filled journey of motherhood, homemaking, and living out God’s grace.

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Love in the Chaos: Thoughts After 10 Years of Marriage

How to Renew Your Mind in Uncertain Seasons

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My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last night 🥹🙌🏽

I want to hold onto this moment forever so I’m sharing it here.

Last night, Simon in all his jolly joy was professing biblical truths that honestly some of us can’t even comprehend or acknowledge; Jesus is Gods son who died for us, Jesus and God are one with the Holy Spirit, Jesus died for our sins on the cross, Jesus loves us so much. 

We talked about how when we accept Jesus into our hearts, there is nothing that can ever separate us from God. I told him that one day, when he was ready, we could pray together and invite Jesus in.

He wanted to pray that instant.

So we did.

The beauty of it all is this: Simon did something that holds so many people back from an intimate and intentional relationship with our Savior—he freely and honestly admitted his need for a Savior. He acknowledged that even at 5, he is a sinner—that he falls short of the glory of God, just like all of us (Romans 3:23).

But he also understands this: that it is while we are still sinners that Christ died for us.

I’ll be honest—when I first gave my life to Jesus at 23, it was hard for me to understand how someone so young could truly grasp faith like this. But God, in His sweet and perfect sense of humor, gave me three little ones who would.

I pray that my children would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they would love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength all the days of their lives.

If you’ve been waiting—feeling like you need to have it all figured out first—you don’t. Faith can begin in the simplest, most honest prayer.

And if you’ve walked with Jesus for years, I pray this encourages you to return to that childlike faith—the kind that simply believes, trusts, and receives His love.
As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time: As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time:

“What books should my child be reading?”

And honestly… the kids who are growing the most in reading right now aren’t always reading the “hardest” books — they’re the ones who actually enjoy what they’re reading.

So I wanted to share a few things my students genuinely love right now:

📚 Read-aloud favorites
My class still gets SO excited for Nibbles (every time 😂) and they love longer stories too — we’ve read things like Cordelia and even The Wingfeather Saga, and they are completely locked in. Kids really do rise to the level of great stories when you read them together.

📚 Early chapter books
Nate the Great is still a favorite in my room — those confidence-building books matter so much at this age.

📚 For kids who think they “don’t like reading”
The Shine-a-Light books are constantly being picked up in my classroom. Something about the interactive element just clicks for those kids.

📚 For kids who love action/adventure
The I Survived series is HUGE right now. If your child loves those, they’re drawn to fast-paced, high-interest stories — which is such a great place to build from.

📚 Fun nonfiction lovers
My class is obsessed with question-and-answer books and 100 fact books — they love flipping, exploring, and learning random facts to share with each other.

Honestly, my classroom is kind of filled with these types of books (mostly thanks to generous teacher friends) because they’re the ones kids actually reach for.

If you ever feel stuck finding the right book for your child, I’m always happy to help 🤍

And if you want to browse, I did put a bunch of these favorites together in one place.
I have no idea what’s flying out of my hair but I I have no idea what’s flying out of my hair but I was impressed I actually remembered a before and after. Regardless of how amateur my reel skills are 😅.
Onward to victory ✌🏼 Onward to victory ✌🏼
🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY🪩 Growing up, I watched 🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY🪩

Growing up, I watched my family own and operate their own construction company in Chicago. Bongi Construction was founded and owned by my grandpa and great grandpa. 

In 2011 I opened my own studio salon at 23 and against all odds I managed to stay open for over 2 years. 

I’ve spent the last decade learning and growing in several network marketing companies.

I never realized it until recently but small business is my passion and, arguably, in my blood. 

But never have I been as excited to attempt to grow a business as I am with Hope & Threads! 

This little idea has fueled my creative heart and opened up the sweetest conversations with my kids. It has given me a very tangible way to pray over others and share the Hope that anchors my soul. 

I would love for you to take a peek at our online boutique and use code THANKFUL24 for FREE SHIPPING 📦

These sweaters are cozy, cute, and come prayed over and made to order with hope + love! I know you can get sweaters anywhere (and for a lot cheaper) but your purchase won’t support a big box company the way it will my family. And it sure won’t be created with such love and intention.

I would be so grateful if you clicked the link in my bio to take a look around! Let me know what you love most! & Thanks for letting me share my small business with you 🫶🏼
🍎THE EASIEST BACK TO SCHOOL BEAUTY ROUTINE✏️ This 🍎THE EASIEST BACK TO SCHOOL BEAUTY ROUTINE✏️

This entire look took under four minutes 🤯.

So, I give it an A+ 👌🏼

Idk about you, but while in school (high school, college, and beauty school) I never was one to get up early and spend hours getting ready - but I also never went in without makeup on. 

Same for teaching. Whether Sunday school, Bible Study, virtually, or in person, I will always have my face done - even while managing to get three little ones ready to go, too!!

I guess you can say I have mastered the 5 minute face and I am darn proud of that. 

Let me help you get more time in the morning! 

Comment MATCH and I’ll customize these four colors to personally match you!! 

Who else is a 5 minute face fan?

#iamanchoredbyhope #beauty #beautytips #backtoschool #beautyroutine

Follow @iamanchoredbyhope

My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last night 🥹🙌🏽

I want to hold onto this moment forever so I’m sharing it here.

Last night, Simon in all his jolly joy was professing biblical truths that honestly some of us can’t even comprehend or acknowledge; Jesus is Gods son who died for us, Jesus and God are one with the Holy Spirit, Jesus died for our sins on the cross, Jesus loves us so much. 

We talked about how when we accept Jesus into our hearts, there is nothing that can ever separate us from God. I told him that one day, when he was ready, we could pray together and invite Jesus in.

He wanted to pray that instant.

So we did.

The beauty of it all is this: Simon did something that holds so many people back from an intimate and intentional relationship with our Savior—he freely and honestly admitted his need for a Savior. He acknowledged that even at 5, he is a sinner—that he falls short of the glory of God, just like all of us (Romans 3:23).

But he also understands this: that it is while we are still sinners that Christ died for us.

I’ll be honest—when I first gave my life to Jesus at 23, it was hard for me to understand how someone so young could truly grasp faith like this. But God, in His sweet and perfect sense of humor, gave me three little ones who would.

I pray that my children would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they would love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength all the days of their lives.

If you’ve been waiting—feeling like you need to have it all figured out first—you don’t. Faith can begin in the simplest, most honest prayer.

And if you’ve walked with Jesus for years, I pray this encourages you to return to that childlike faith—the kind that simply believes, trusts, and receives His love.
As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time: As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time:

“What books should my child be reading?”

And honestly… the kids who are growing the most in reading right now aren’t always reading the “hardest” books — they’re the ones who actually enjoy what they’re reading.

So I wanted to share a few things my students genuinely love right now:

📚 Read-aloud favorites
My class still gets SO excited for Nibbles (every time 😂) and they love longer stories too — we’ve read things like Cordelia and even The Wingfeather Saga, and they are completely locked in. Kids really do rise to the level of great stories when you read them together.

📚 Early chapter books
Nate the Great is still a favorite in my room — those confidence-building books matter so much at this age.

📚 For kids who think they “don’t like reading”
The Shine-a-Light books are constantly being picked up in my classroom. Something about the interactive element just clicks for those kids.

📚 For kids who love action/adventure
The I Survived series is HUGE right now. If your child loves those, they’re drawn to fast-paced, high-interest stories — which is such a great place to build from.

📚 Fun nonfiction lovers
My class is obsessed with question-and-answer books and 100 fact books — they love flipping, exploring, and learning random facts to share with each other.

Honestly, my classroom is kind of filled with these types of books (mostly thanks to generous teacher friends) because they’re the ones kids actually reach for.

If you ever feel stuck finding the right book for your child, I’m always happy to help 🤍

And if you want to browse, I did put a bunch of these favorites together in one place.
I have no idea what’s flying out of my hair but I I have no idea what’s flying out of my hair but I was impressed I actually remembered a before and after. Regardless of how amateur my reel skills are 😅.
Onward to victory ✌🏼 Onward to victory ✌🏼
🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY🪩 Growing up, I watched 🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY🪩

Growing up, I watched my family own and operate their own construction company in Chicago. Bongi Construction was founded and owned by my grandpa and great grandpa. 

In 2011 I opened my own studio salon at 23 and against all odds I managed to stay open for over 2 years. 

I’ve spent the last decade learning and growing in several network marketing companies.

I never realized it until recently but small business is my passion and, arguably, in my blood. 

But never have I been as excited to attempt to grow a business as I am with Hope & Threads! 

This little idea has fueled my creative heart and opened up the sweetest conversations with my kids. It has given me a very tangible way to pray over others and share the Hope that anchors my soul. 

I would love for you to take a peek at our online boutique and use code THANKFUL24 for FREE SHIPPING 📦

These sweaters are cozy, cute, and come prayed over and made to order with hope + love! I know you can get sweaters anywhere (and for a lot cheaper) but your purchase won’t support a big box company the way it will my family. And it sure won’t be created with such love and intention.

I would be so grateful if you clicked the link in my bio to take a look around! Let me know what you love most! & Thanks for letting me share my small business with you 🫶🏼
🍎THE EASIEST BACK TO SCHOOL BEAUTY ROUTINE✏️ This 🍎THE EASIEST BACK TO SCHOOL BEAUTY ROUTINE✏️

This entire look took under four minutes 🤯.

So, I give it an A+ 👌🏼

Idk about you, but while in school (high school, college, and beauty school) I never was one to get up early and spend hours getting ready - but I also never went in without makeup on. 

Same for teaching. Whether Sunday school, Bible Study, virtually, or in person, I will always have my face done - even while managing to get three little ones ready to go, too!!

I guess you can say I have mastered the 5 minute face and I am darn proud of that. 

Let me help you get more time in the morning! 

Comment MATCH and I’ll customize these four colors to personally match you!! 

Who else is a 5 minute face fan?

#iamanchoredbyhope #beauty #beautytips #backtoschool #beautyroutine

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